Exeter Chiefs confirm Mitch Lees departure

Exeter Chiefs have confirmed the departure of Mitch Lees ahead of the 2019/20 season.

Lees made his professional rugby debut with London Welsh with his association with the Chiefs beginning in 2014. Since then he has made 113 appearances for the Sandy Park outfit in which he scored eight tries.

“Mitch didn’t get a lot of game time last season due to injuries and the form of others. We sat down with him recently and discussed looking at all options for the new season," said Exeter Chiefs director of rugby Rob Baxter.

“Brive have shown an interest in Mitch, he’s been over there, he’s talked to them, carried out a medical and between the various parties, we’ve all agreed to release Mitch from his contract with immediate effect.

“Obviously, Mitch goes with our very best wishes and we thank him for all his efforts over the years. He has played a large part in our recent successes – and he’s been very much part of a club who have developed into one of the top sides in English Rugby.”

The 30-year-old also represented England Saxons during their three-game tour of South Africa at the end of the 2015/16 season and enjoyed Premiership title win with Exeter Chiefs in the 2016/17 season.

"I’ve really enjoyed my time at Exeter over the last five seasons, my family and I have made some life-long friends and we’ll miss the club and the community," said Lees.

"I wish the whole team the best success for the upcoming season. They are a special group of lads, who deserve to continue to be one of the best teams in the Premiership."